Uploaded October 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
I interviewed director Josh Dragotta about his documentary 'Cabali and the Tiki Mug Obsession', a film that earned the rare distinction of having three times at the Newport Beach Film Festival, especially something so amazing for a world premiere!
My knowledge of Tiki was quite limited. All I knew about Tiki was the cursed necklace that Peter wore on, 'The Brady Bunch' or Trader Sam's at the Disneyland hotel, which was about it. I had zero clue that there was a subculture dedicated to Tiki mugs...even though I have two or three myself.
What we learned from 'Cabali and the Tiki Mug Obsession', is that in the early 1990s, the once-thriving world of Tiki bars had largely faded and the collectible ceramic vessels known as Tiki mugs were disappearing into obscurity—left behind in thrift shops and garage sales. But in Venice Beach, California, a small and passionate group of collectors, artists, and enthusiasts began to see more than just kitschy barware. They saw art.
'Cabali and the Tiki Mug Obsession' weaves together two interrelated narratives. On one side, it charts the evolution of Tiki culture through its defining collectible, the Tiki mug, showing how the rise of boutique publishing and the early days of the internet helped foster a grassroots community that now stretches across the globe. On the other, it follows the story of Fini Finical, a devoted collector whose obsession with Tiki mugs ultimately inspired the creation of Cabali, a modernist speakeasy-style Tiki bar located in Oro Valley, AZ.
The documentary introduces viewers to the creative individuals who transformed Tiki from a fading mid-century trend into a modern art movement. With a dynamic mix of unique footage, interviews, archival content and a vibrant visual style, 'Cabali' serves as both a chronicle of a niche American subculture and an intimate character portrait.
At its core, 'Cabali' is about rediscovery in how a deep passion for forgotten objects can lead to preservation, creativity and a strong sense of community. Through these mugs, viewers witness how a shared obsession can create connections, build spaces and inspire art. What once was relegated to flea markets and swap meets has since grown into a full-fledged cultural revival, with the Cabali bar acting as a living, breathing homage to one collector’s vision and the broader movement it represents.
Dragotta shared that the documentary consumed three years of his life, a journey he described as both exhilarating and joyful. Meeting Fini and encountering the depth of his passion convinced him the story would be rich with humor, heart, and cultural significance. With over a hundred interviews conducted, the project offered Dragotta a wide spectrum of perspectives that deepened his own appreciation for the art form and the world around it.
As both director and editor, Dragotta approached the film with a layered narrative structure, allowing him to explore not just the revival of Tiki culture, but also deeper themes of purpose and obsession. Mirroring the vibrant world it documents, the film bursts with music, color, and a sense of escapism.
'Cabali and the Tiki Mug Obsession' screenings at the Newport Beach Film Festival on:
Sun, Oct 19th, 3:15 PM @ Big Newport, Screen 5 (SOLD OUT)
Tue, Oct 21st, 4:45 PM @ Big Newport, Screen 5 (SOLD OUT)
Wed, Oct 22nd, 7:45 PM @ Big Newport, Screen 5
To purchase the remaining tickets for 'Cabali and the Tiki Mug Obsession' visit: newportbeachff2025.eventive.org/.
Big Newport is located at:
300 Newport Center Dr.
Newport Center, CA 92660
#cabalitikibar #tikibar #worldpremiere #nbff #documentary #interview #fanboynation
I interviewed director Josh Dragotta about his documentary 'Cabali and the Tiki Mug Obsession', a film that earned the rare distinction of having three times at the Newport Beach Film Festival, especially something so amazing for a world premiere!
My knowledge of Tiki was quite limited. All I knew about Tiki was the cursed necklace that Peter wore on, 'The Brady Bunch' or Trader Sam's at the Disneyland hotel, which was about it. I had zero clue that there was a subculture dedicated to Tiki mugs...even though I have two or three myself.
What we learned from 'Cabali and the Tiki Mug Obsession', is that in the early 1990s, the once-thriving world of Tiki bars had largely faded and the collectible ceramic vessels known as Tiki mugs were disappearing into obscurity—left behind in thrift shops and garage sales. But in Venice Beach, California, a small and passionate group of collectors, artists, and enthusiasts began to see more than just kitschy barware. They saw art.
'Cabali and the Tiki Mug Obsession' weaves together two interrelated narratives. On one side, it charts the evolution of Tiki culture through its defining collectible, the Tiki mug, showing how the rise of boutique publishing and the early days of the internet helped foster a grassroots community that now stretches across the globe. On the other, it follows the story of Fini Finical, a devoted collector whose obsession with Tiki mugs ultimately inspired the creation of Cabali, a modernist speakeasy-style Tiki bar located in Oro Valley, AZ.
The documentary introduces viewers to the creative individuals who transformed Tiki from a fading mid-century trend into a modern art movement. With a dynamic mix of unique footage, interviews, archival content and a vibrant visual style, 'Cabali' serves as both a chronicle of a niche American subculture and an intimate character portrait.
At its core, 'Cabali' is about rediscovery in how a deep passion for forgotten objects can lead to preservation, creativity and a strong sense of community. Through these mugs, viewers witness how a shared obsession can create connections, build spaces and inspire art. What once was relegated to flea markets and swap meets has since grown into a full-fledged cultural revival, with the Cabali bar acting as a living, breathing homage to one collector’s vision and the broader movement it represents.
Dragotta shared that the documentary consumed three years of his life, a journey he described as both exhilarating and joyful. Meeting Fini and encountering the depth of his passion convinced him the story would be rich with humor, heart, and cultural significance. With over a hundred interviews conducted, the project offered Dragotta a wide spectrum of perspectives that deepened his own appreciation for the art form and the world around it.
As both director and editor, Dragotta approached the film with a layered narrative structure, allowing him to explore not just the revival of Tiki culture, but also deeper themes of purpose and obsession. Mirroring the vibrant world it documents, the film bursts with music, color, and a sense of escapism.
'Cabali and the Tiki Mug Obsession' screenings at the Newport Beach Film Festival on:
Sun, Oct 19th, 3:15 PM @ Big Newport, Screen 5 (SOLD OUT)
Tue, Oct 21st, 4:45 PM @ Big Newport, Screen 5 (SOLD OUT)
Wed, Oct 22nd, 7:45 PM @ Big Newport, Screen 5
To purchase the remaining tickets for 'Cabali and the Tiki Mug Obsession' visit: newportbeachff2025.eventive.org/.
Big Newport is located at:
300 Newport Center Dr.
Newport Center, CA 92660
#cabalitikibar #tikibar #worldpremiere #nbff #documentary #interview #fanboynation
